A riot is at bottom the language of the unheard.

Let him who desires peace prepare for war.

Politics is the art of the possible.

You have all the characteristics of a popular politician: a horrible voice, bad breeding, and a vulgar manner.

The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm piss.

To be turned from one’s course by men’s opinions, by blame, and by misrepresentation shows a man unfit to hold office.

Do that which consists in taking no action, and order will prevail.

Sic semper tyrannis! The South is avenged.

People revere the Constitution yet know so little about it—and that goes for some of my fellow senators.

My people and I have come to an agreement that satisfies us both. They are to say what they please, and I am to do what I please.

I shall be an autocrat: that’s my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that’s his.

You campaign in poetry. You govern in prose.

The affairs of the world are no more than so much trickery, and a man who toils for money or honor or whatever else in deference to the wishes of others, rather than because his own desire or needs lead him to do so, will always be a fool.